In NYC’s competitive event landscape, VIP experiences shouldn’t just feel exclusive, they should feel epic. And that’s exactly where using main character energy in your marketing strategy comes into play. Main character energy is about giving VIP guests the spotlight. Positioning them not as side characters, but as the protagonists of the evening. Below is how to make it happen, and why it’s so powerful.
What is Main Character Energy?
On social media, main character energy refers to radiating confidence, uniqueness, and narrative driven presence, as if your life is your own feature film. Brands tapping into this energy craft experiences that empower attendees to feel central, authentic, and content worthy. While authenticity is key, execution matters. You don’t want subtle flash, you want emotionally engaging storytelling. As explained by social brand authorities, effective MCE lets your guests feel seen, not just served.
Build Narrative Arcs Into Your VIP Tiers
Every VIP experience should tell a story, and your marketing should plant the seed:
- Prologue (sign up): A personalized invite or video teasing the “hero’s path.”
- Rising Action (arrival): Fast track entry, branded swag, and narrative cues. Like custom badges or color coded arrivals.
- Climax (experience): Invite only lounge with exclusive performances, brand moments or celeb cameo.
- Resolution (post event): Deliver a curated “next chapter” content package: highlight reel, thank you video, or digital keepsake.
Building this arc lets you communicate that VIP guests aren’t just attending, they’re starring.
Creative Activations That Grant MCE Moments
Incorporate moments that feel built for content and confidence:
- Interactive self recording lounges where VIPs film a thank you message or reflection segment. Styled like a backstage interview.
- Narrated walk ins, complete with photo frames, custom soundtracks, or neon hashtags like #YourEventVIP.
- Mini documentary booths, recording reactions or thoughts in cinematic formats for later sharing.
NYC planners have used these to trigger selfies, TikToks, and shorts that highlight attendees as lead characters.
Visual Storytelling In Email And Ad Campaigns
Your messaging is where the MCE tone begins:
- Use a second person address: “You’re invited to take center stage.”
- Incorporate bold imagery of individuals, not crowds. Show them framed like movie posters.
- Use copy angles like: “Attend like only you can,” or “This time, make it your story.”
These tactics immediately elevate perception above a generic tier slab.
Personalize With Dynamic Content
Dynamic content allows your email to adapt based on each recipient’s behavior or profile, so you can send one email that feels like it was written just for them. It’s more than just inserting someone’s name; you can tailor everything from location based event recs to countdown timers for ticket deadlines. If someone’s a returning VIP, show them personalized speaker picks or highlight exclusive perks they haven’t used yet. It does require a bit more setup on the front end, but this kind of personalization drives higher engagement and stronger conversions, especially for events where FOMO is part of the experience.
Co Create Content With Influencers and VIPs
Invite select VIP guests or micro influencers to a “VIP preview” pre event, encouraging them to post early clips on TikTok or Instagram. Provide branded frames or backdrops where they can capture cinematic portraits. Encourage them to use storytelling captions: “NYC, you ready? My VIP moment is about to go down.” This lets the VIP be the hero, not just a guest.
Post Event Sequences That Reinforce The Narrative
After the event, keep the MCE energy going:
- Send a thank you email with: “Your VIP story continues…” and include footage, quotes, or candid moments.
- Share a highlight reel starring VIP attendees. They’re not characters in the crowd, they’re the main story.
- Offer VIP only early access to future events or exclusive offers to reinforce their starring role.
Balance Confidence With Character
Importantly, main character energy isn’t about exclusion or ego, it’s about creating inclusion by spotlighting individuals in a meaningful and respectful way. Supedia notes that taken too far, MCE can come off as narcissistic, but executed well, it’s about empowering without overpowering.
Ready to position your VIP experience as the star of the show?
Exhibit at The Event Planner Expo and discover creatives, marketers, and vendors who make Main Character Energy happen in real time.
